Clays for a Cause at The Preserve Sporting Club & Resort in Richmond

"Pull!” The unmistakable sound of sporting clays being fired and exploding recently echoed across the wooded grounds of The Preserve Sporting Club and Resort as hundreds of guests gathered at the Richmond property for a day devoted to outdoor recreation, camaraderie, and giving back. The fourth annual Clays 4 Charity, held August 14, was a special “Hall of Fame Edition” honoring former New England Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame earlier this year. The four-time Super Bowl champion was joined by former Patriots offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi, another familiar face from the franchise’s championship years.

Hosted by Preserve chairman Paul Mihailides, the event welcomed athletes, celebrities, business leaders, families, sponsors, and sporting enthusiasts of all experience levels. Proceeds supported organizations serving veterans, first responders, and members of the nation’s service community. “This event continues to grow because of the incredible people who come together for a common purpose,” said Mihailides. “To have more than 500 people join us this year – and to celebrate Adam’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame – made this Clays 4 Charity especially meaningful.”

This year’s principal beneficiary was the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a non-profit that provides mortgage-free homes and other assistance to injured veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families. Additional support was directed to the Geronimo Foundation and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, an organization dedicated to protecting outdoor sporting traditions. Vinatieri and Mihailides welcomed the crowd during the morning kickoff before participants headed to The Preserve’s two sporting clays courses. The competition offered newcomers and veteran shooters alike an opportunity to test their skills at stations spread throughout the property.

While sporting clays served as the centerpiece, the sprawling 3,500-acre resort provided plenty of additional adventures. Guests could try fly fishing, paintball, axe throwing, chainsaw carving, lawn games, an obstacle course, and The Preserve’s indoor luxury shooting range. Vendor experiences and demonstrations continued throughout. “At the end of the day, it is about much more than sporting clays,” Mihailides explained. “It is about supporting the people and organizations that serve our country and our communities.” The festivities moved indoors in the evening for a dinner prepared by acclaimed chef David Burke, followed by a live auction and a full lineup of music. Nashville-based Americana singer-songwriter Dave Kennedy performed alongside guitarist and mandolinist Andy Wood and platinum-selling country artist Tyler Farr.

Clays 4 Charity has developed into one of the region’s leading charitable sporting events. Its combination of outdoor activities, celebrity guests, live entertainment, and philanthropy has helped attract a growing audience while raising awareness for organizations that assist those who serve. For Vinatieri, whose legendary career included some of the most memorable kicks in NFL history, the celebration offers a chance to reconnect with New England fans. This time, however, the biggest victories came through supporting veterans, first responders, and their families. Learn more at Clays4Charity.com.